FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Madeline Anderson
414-278-2784
andersonm@mpm.edu
Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit Celebrates History, Artistry and Secrets of Museum’s World-Famous Dioramas
March 14-April 17
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is peeling back the curtain—or glass—of its world-famous dioramas March 14-April 17 for the Museum’s Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit—the second of five exhibit celebrations in 2026 in honor of MPM’s final year open before moving to the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin. The month-long tribute will explore the history, artistry and achievements of these iconic scenes, as well as reveal surprising stories and even hidden objects within the displays.
“MPM's immersive and highly realistic dioramas are not only visitor favorites, they’re part of our legacy as a groundbreaking institution,” said MPM President & CEO Dr. Ellen Censky. “We’re excited to spotlight their innovation and design, dive into the stories they can tell us about different natural and cultural worlds and share some of their best kept secrets.”
In 1890, MPM taxidermist Carl Akeley created the Muskrat Family Group diorama, the first-ever exhibit that posed taxidermy animals in a recreation of their natural habitat. This exhibit method became known around the world as the “Milwaukee style” and set a new standard for natural history museums everywhere. Today, the Museum has more than 200 dioramas that cover everything from Milwaukee 425 million years ago to the city at turn of the 20th century, landscapes and cultures all around the globe and the age of dinosaurs.
Inspired by more than a century of pioneering dioramas, Diorama-RAMA invites visitors to learn about the artists and techniques behind the making of MPM’s famous scenes during Saturday theme days, go on after-hours, adults-only “Easter egg” hunts (guided tours to find hidden details within the exhibits), vote for their favorite mini-diorama at a DIY diorama contest and showcase and contribute to a communal diorama. More details about these special events and programs are below and at mpm.edu/greatest-hits/diorama-rama.
The Intro: Diorama-RAMA
Saturday, March 14, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this kickoff celebration of MPM's Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by several interactive stations that go behind the scenes of the Museum’s famous dioramas. Families with young children are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating our Milwaukee-style dioramas.
MPM Exposed: Exhibit “Easter Eggs”
March 14 and 26, April 9 and 16
5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
This guided, one-hour tour shares exclusive stories about who designed MPM’s dioramas, how they were made and what surprise details or “Easter eggs” are hidden within.
Tour is 18+; $10/person
Diorama-RAMA Contest
Tuesday, March 31
6-8:30 p.m.
MPM is partnering with National Diorama Month Diorama-Rama to host the 10-year anniversary of the first Diorama-RAMA contest. Local artists will display their own mini-dioramas they’ve created that are inspired by MPM’s “Milwaukee style” dioramas. Guests can vote for their favorite dioramas; the winner will be announced at the end of the evening. A cash bar will also be available. Following the event, the dioramas will remain on display at MPM through April 5. Email dkirschling@nationaldioramamonth.com to show your mini diorama.
$10 adults, $5 children 13 and under, with half of every ticket sale going to this year's non-profit partner, the Walker's Point Center for the Arts
Spring Break Diorama Workshop
March 30-April 3, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)
10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.
Visitors can stop by a diorama workspace in the Steigleder Special Exhibits Gallery to design their own MPM-inspired pieces to add to a communal diorama. Museum educators will be on hand to share secrets of Museum artistry, using examples from MPM’s iconic exhibits.
The Finale: Diorama-RAMA
Saturday, April 11, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this closeout celebration of MPM's Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by several interactive stations that go behind the scenes of the Museum’s famous dioramas. Families with young children are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating our Milwaukee-style dioramas.
Greatest Hits-themed T-shirts, tote bags, patches, posters and other merchandise will also be available for purchase at the MPM Marketplace.
MPM’s Greatest Hits features a lineup of five different month-long celebrations of special events and programs highlighting MPM's most popular and impactful exhibits—or “greatest hits.” Check out the schedule: mpm.edu/greatest-hits.
In 2027, MPM will move into a new, world-class building in downtown Milwaukee and change its name to the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin. An official opening date for the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin is still being determined. Updates on this monumental project can be found at mpm.edu/future.
About the Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum is Wisconsin’s natural history museum, welcoming over half a million visitors annually. Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Museum was chartered in 1882, opened to the public in 1884, and currently houses more than 4 million objects in its collections. MPM has three floors of exhibits that encompass life-size dioramas, walk-through villages, world cultures, dinosaurs, a rainforest, and a live butterfly garden, as well as the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater and Planetarium. MPM is operated by Milwaukee Public Museum, Inc., a private, non-profit company, and its facilities and collections are held in trust and supported by Milwaukee County for the benefit of the public.
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